Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: The Reason I Hate You All
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The reason the Smiling Man hates the Union is simple.
It has to do with the hero involved in the 'incident' that happened 'that day'.
So, what is the reason Yushin hates the Union?
There are many reasons, but if he had to pick one, it would be this.
"Cadet? The archives are absolutely quiet at all times."
"Hey. Don't you know who I am?"
"I don't know the details, but judging by your badge color, you look like a second-year cadet?"
"Newbie? My dad's in a high position at the Union. Watch yourself."
"…."
That's right. This part exactly. Everything around them is rotten too.
Not just those affiliated with the Union, but everyone connected to them!
Just a mere cadet, yet look at that arrogant strut.
Anyone would think she's an A-rank hero drawing crowds.
When in reality, she's just a powerless hero cadet.
"Cadet? Let me say it again. The archives are absolutely quiet. And since you seem unaware, I'll add that romance is also prohibited here."
If they'd just been talking loudly, Yushin would have let it slide with a warning.
But to brazenly engage in excessive PDA right in front of him?
Look. Even now, the male and female cadets are wrapped around each other.
This is blatant provocation. No, a declaration of war!
"Ah, let's go already. This is annoying as hell!"
The female cadet, nestled in the male cadet's arms, grumbled.
How strange. Aren't you the ones making the noise, not me?
And you're the ones who stirred up the situation in the first place.
Yushin barely suppressed the cold sneer from his inner Smiling Man.
This archives staff identity was still very useful.
After disguising as a janitor and getting exposed, security had tightened up.
If he lost this identity too, infiltrating the academy would be tough for a while.
How would he endure the boredom if he got kicked out of the academy?
Worst case, he'd end up playing go with the boss or something.
"Hey. Just go do your job. We'll be quiet and mind our own business here."
If you want to date, go to a proper place, right?
If you want to get frisky, a hotel or anywhere else would do, no?
Why come to the archives to let out those lewd giggles and moans?
Ah. That type? The kind that gets off on being seen?
Oh dear. They look so young, how did they end up into that?
"Even if the cadet has a high-ranking Union official for a parent, my words remain the same. Even an S-rank hero must stay absolutely quiet in the record archives. And no disturbances beyond viewing materials."
"You're impossible to reason with. What's your name?"
"My name's at the entrance counter. Go check if you're curious."
No matter what, it was a 'get lost'. The male and female cadets finally stood up.
But they didn't drop that 'you'll see' glare until the end.
"Haa. This is gonna be a pain."
Yushin muttered while cleaning the spot they'd vacated.
Those types are one of two things. All talk. Or they actually stab you.
And that male cadet gave off seriously bad vibes in that regard.
Dad's connections to make trouble... What to do about this.
"…Oh."
A sigh escaped Yushin's lips as he tidied up.
Is this... a condom? Why is birth control showing up in the archives?
That's why they came to this secluded corner? To actually do 'it'?
Beyond saving. Thinking those types become heroes makes my chest tight.
Maybe because the ones I've met so far were protagonists with a sense of duty and purpose.
People like now, chasing only the glory and perks of being a hero.
I knew it all along, but facing it like this is truly regrettable.
Yushin shook his head and tucked the Smiling Man away again.
After neatly finishing cleanup, he left the archives for a meal.
As he reached the first floor and opened the door—
Bam!-
"Ack!"
Did she not see me coming?
He collided with an oncoming cadet.
Yushin had been lost in thought too, noticing late.
His body could have reacted, but that might hurt the other person.
Sometimes it's better for both to just take the bump.
"Sorry! I was talking and didn't see!!"
"Ah. I'm fine. You…."
The male cadet bowed repeatedly, apologizing profusely.
The female cadet beside him bowed too.
They must have been chatting and not watching ahead.
Completely different from that arrogant couple from the archives.
If it had been them? Instant 'where are your eyes?' outburst.
Even though it was their fault, they'd dump the blame on the other 100%.
"Second-year cadets, huh. It's fine! These things happen, right?!"
If there are bad people in the world, there are good ones too.
Yushin headed to the cafeteria with a pleased heart.
***
Nothing beats cafeteria pork cutlet, right? Pork cutlet!
There's faculty dining too, but cafeteria food has that unique flavor!
This is it, this is the stuff. As Yushin heartily enjoyed his solo meal,
"Eating alone?"
Hm? Looking up, Seo Ha-eun stood there with her tray.
This was pretty surprising. I'd seen her solo often.
Aside from Kang Yuna, she doesn't hang with many, right?
"Yes. Class changeover, no one suitable to eat with!"
"…May I sit?"
"Of course. Please do."
Seo Ha-eun sat across, poking at her food for a bit.
Then she looked at Yushin and suddenly dropped a line.
"Smiling Man."
…Huh. What situation is this?
Anyone else would have reacted somehow.
But Yushin just casually munched his pork cutlet.
"You know, right?"
Her face screamed, Ah, that villain.
"You were at Ulleungdo recently."
"Happened to be at Sadong Port. My sister and I were evacuating when we saw the tsunami and thought, 'Ah. We're dead.'"
"…."
"It split, so I figured heroes handled it, but hearing it was the Smiling Man? I was shocked."
Disguise Art isn't just slightly altering the face.
It twists muscles and bones to become a completely different person.
Even changes the voice, so no one notices.
Unless an S-rank hero focuses fully on reading aura.
No reason to shrink. Nothing to worry about.
"You said before. Seeing me investigate, that maybe I should check it out myself."
"Did I?"
"It helped. Wanted to say thanks."
"Nah. Just idle talk. Worried I said too much since you took it seriously!"
She went herself. Good. That's more reliable.
They can block info, but not bury people.
That's the Union now. Yes. For now.
If they fully embrace corruption and spill blood without hesitation.
No one left to tell the truth you want.
"Hm?"
Yushin's gaze went to a male-female duo entering the cafeteria.
The polite couple from earlier. The super courteous ones.
Seo Ha-eun glanced over curiously too.
"Know them?"
Not really. Yushin recounted the earlier incident.
Among cadets, they were the exceptionally polite type.
Seo Ha-eun nodded with an aah.
"Those seniors are like that."
"You know them?"
"Never met or talked, but rumors. Childhood friends since young. Both awakened Abilities at the same time. Entered Hero Academy together, top grades side by side."
"Oh ho."
"And as you see, they're dating."
A childhood friends couple? What destructive word combo is this!
I can't help but admire. Seal-clapping worthy.
Ah. So 'golden couple' refers to them!
Polite too. Great grades. Pure love gazing only at each other.
If the pure love knight saw this, he'd wail to the four directions!!
"…."
Seo Ha-eun's face, mid-explanation, suddenly crumpled.
"Seo Ha-eun?"
"Ah. Sorry. Saw people I didn't want to."
"What do you…."
Another cadet couple appeared. Familiar faces too.
The ones from the archives about to get it on.
"Same second-year seniors, but with Union connections. Cocky about it. Already rude to fourth-years, lots of talk."
"Don't heroes value academy class seniority?"
"Changes if it's a Union bigwig."
Impressive cadets, one way or another.
Yushin stabbed the last pork cutlet and propped his chin.
If he didn't missee earlier….
'Strange. Got a girl with him, yet why stare at the childhood friends couple's girl? With eyes full of greed too.'
No way, right? Nah. It can't be. It better not.
I like pure love and harems.
But not that. Really die if so. You.
Not NTR, right? Yeah? Please.
Ting!-
"Ugh."
"Pardon? What was that?"
"Nothing. Seo Ha-eun."
Maybe I gripped too hard.
The fork head snapped off in his hand.
Luckily, Seo Ha-eun didn't notice.
